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Prototype BMW i3 and i8 vehicles shown off

Journalists were recently invited to Sweden in order to see the prototype versions of the BMW i3 electric supermini and the i8 petrol-electric supercar in action.

The two vehicles will be the first entries into the German car maker's newly-formed i sub-brand, though their UK launches may be as far away as 18 months time.

However, those gathered at a remote region of Sweden were able to witness how the BMW i8 achieves four-wheel drive whilst being powered by a petrol engine and an electric motor.

The technology under this particular car's bonnet enables the motor to achieve 0-62mph in a mere 4.6 seconds and deliver an average fuel economy of 104.6mpg.

Meanwhile, the BMW i3 is an urban supermini which is presented with a rear-wheel drive setup.

Drivers are said to be able to race to 62mph from rest in just 7.9 in this vehicle, while its collection of lithium-ion batteries can cover an estimated 93 miles on a full charge.

Patrick Mueller, head of i drivetrain development at BMW, was also keen to stress to Autocar that by designing a heavily sprung throttle feel, instant acceleration and an aggressive recuperation mode onto the i3, the car works to recover as much kinetic energy as possible.

"It's an approach that will set our cars apart from the electric car competition," Mr Mueller underlined to the publication.